Karnataka lines up ₹1,000-crore deeptech push; too early to gauge FTAs' impact, says Priyank Kharge

Karnataka is setting its sights firmly on the deeptech ecosystem, with plans to deploy over ₹1,000 crore towards developing the sector through policy, infrastructure, and public-private partnerships.

State IT & BT Minister Priyank Kharge told CNBC-TV18 that the government will focus its deeptech push on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and spacetech over the next decade.

"Deeptech is a much more serious game, and we're ensuring that for the next 10 years we have a complete focus on deep tech," Kharge said. "We are creating centres of excellence, common instrumentation facilities, and funds. The deeptech policy alone is worth around ₹600 crore, while the broader startup policy is worth ₹518 crore, taking the overall investment to over ₹1,000 crore."

He added that the government is in talks with venture capital funds and private players to match state funding. Concrete announcements are expected at the Future Makers Conclave on November 20.

"While the government is committing ₹600 crore, I'm confident the private sector will match that. If not a four-figure mark, it will definitely be a three-figure mark," Kharge said.

'Too early to gauge FTA benefits for deeptech'

Speaking on India's ongoing trade pacts, Kharge said it was too early to assess how recently signed free trade agreements (FTAs) will impact technology and deeptech sectors.

"We've just signed a couple of FTAs. While they may affect retail and other sectors, it's too early to gauge their impact on technology or deeptech," he said. "Everybody likes their IPs to remain within their shores, so we'll need to see whether FTAs truly benefit this space."

Kharge added that Karnataka continues to work closely with the central government to strengthen the telecom and technology infrastructure.

"Karnataka is ahead of the curve, we understand deeptech, quantum, and biotech better. We constantly engage with the Centre to ensure policies and frameworks evolve accordingly," he said.

The minister said key performance indicators (KPIs) will be put in place to assess the success of the deeptech investments, but warned that returns will take time.

"These grants and funds are professionally managed. Deeptech has a longer gestation period, so we can't put strict timelines, but the goal is to make Karnataka a global leader in the deeptech ecosystem," he said.

Kharge added that the Karnataka government is considering a new policy that would allow deeptech startups to pilot their solutions with government departments on a small scale.

If the pilot proves successful, the state will endorse the technology to encourage wider adoption, he said.

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"We are mulling over a policy where startups, especially deeptech startups, can pilot with the government in a very small way. And if the pilot is successful, then we endorse the technology," Kharge said at the IVCA Circles event in Bengaluru.

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